Red, White & Country Music

Nothing’s better than the warm air and sunny days brought by spring semester. As temperatures rise in North Carolina, I hear the beach (and Blake Shelton) calling my name. On hot days in Elon, campus hums with the sound of country music out of car windows and JBL speakers. Could you blame us? Summer is undoubtedly the season of country hits. 

It’s no secret that May is sneaking up, and it’s time to get your playlist in shape for the season. Forget about internships and finals for a while, and let’s travel somewhere “Sunny and 75,” just like Joe Nichols said.

Classics Down South

We all know that summertime has a distinct feeling. It sounds like waves crashing and ice rattling in a cooler. It smells like coconut sunscreen and hotdogs on the grill. Of course, it’s only right that your playlist matches that authentic July feeling. Here are some classics that keep me in the spirit all season long.

When I think of summer, I think of Kenny Chesney. His music is the embodiment of that carefree summer feeling. No shoes, no shirt? No problem for Kenny. “Get Along,” “Out Last Night,” and “She’s Got It All” are some of the best feel-good songs to add to your queue this year. And, of course, I’ll be having “Summertime” on repeat all season – no question about that one.

Next up is Alabama, with their classic southern sound. “Mountain Music,” “I’m in a Hurry (And Don’t Know Why,)” and “Forty Hour Week” remind me to take the summers slow. I also can’t help but mention the ever-classic “Dixieland Delight.” Sing those ad libs like you mean it.

Finally, it would be wrong to talk about country classics and not pay homage to George Strait. His voice just sounds like a cold drink on the beach. “Here for a Good Time” is an iconic hit that can’t help but cheer you up. Don’t forget about “Blue Clear Sky,” “Check Yes or No” and “I Can’t See Texas From Here.” Go ahead and “Write This Down” — George Strait belongs on every summer playlist.

What Are You Listening To?

Before you head to the beach or the barbecue, personalize that playlist. When building the perfect lineup, it’s great to explore new music while also leaning into personal style. 

Are you into slow music? In that case, tune into artists like Chris Stapelton, Ty Myers, Flatland Cavalry, Hudson Westbrook, Zach Top and Cody Jinks. This group toes the line between beautiful heartbreak and dreamy summer love.

Is pop more your style? Embrace the pop country genre. Luke Combs, Riley Green, Billy Currington, Megan Moroney and Ashley Cooke will never steer you wrong. They’re popular for good reason! Just be sure to explore their whole discography. Those off-radio songs might turn out to be your newfound favorites. 

Music has the power to take us back in time. I can’t be the only kid who grew up listening to a choppy country radio station in dad’s truck. If you’re looking for that young summer feeling again, throw it back with staples from the 2000’s and 2010’s. Artists like Sam Hunt, Thomas Rhett, Florida Georgia Line, and Luke Bryan ruled that era of pop country. Embrace summertime nostalgia with songs that remain timeless. For me, it’s Eric Church’s heavy-hitter, “Springsteen,” and “Something Like That” by Tim McGraw. Listen with care.

The Hottest Drops

If you’ve exhausted your playlist already, don’t worry just yet – fresh music is on the way! Here are some albums rumored to be dropping this summer.

Tucker Wetmore is dropping his album, What Not To, on April 25th. Tucker’s album seems to have a Morgan Wallen vibe, with its tracks “Wine Into Whiskey,” and “Silverado Blue.” If that’s true, I’m not mad about it.

Eric Church is a staple in my rotation, so I’m counting on this new album to deliver. Eric hasn’t let me down yet, so my hopes are high for May 2nd. Evangeline vs. The Machine will drop as an early summer gift to country listeners everywhere. 

After May 16th, prepare to hear lots of Morgan Wallen on the beaches this summer. Morgan Wallen’s I’m the Problem might just be the most anticipated album on this list. With 37 tracks on the horizon, I have a feeling that this one will be on repeat long after school starts back up in September. Morgan Wallen has already released a few songs from the tracklist, including “Just in Case” and “I’m a Little Crazy.” If those teasers are any indication, my neighbors are about to hear a lot of Morgan blasting from my backyard this season. 

Parker McCollum stole our hearts as the “Gold Chain Cowboy” back in 2021. Now, he’s back with a self-titled album that will drop on June 27th. Parker’s unique style makes him a regular on my Spotify wrapped. Even with 14 tracks on the record, I have a good feeling that this will be a no-skip album. 

Catch Them Live

You know them, you love them, now go see them live. Here’s a preview of some country artists expected to be touring this summer. Pull out your cowboy boots and go catch a show!

Alan Jackson

Brett Young

Cody Johnson

Ella Langley

George Strait 

Hudson Westbrook

Jason Aldean

Jon Pardi

Kane Brown

Kieth Urban

Lainey Willson

Luke Bryan

Morgan Wallen

Thomas Rhett

Wyatt Flores

Zach Bryan

What’ll be blasting from your speakers this summer?

Will your 4th of July be filled with George Strait classics? Or are you counting down until Wallen drops?

Let us know @theedgemag!